
Strong Sense of Place | Travel Through Books
One lifetime is too short to visit everywhere and meet everyone. That‘s why we love books with a strong sense of place — they let us travel the world in our imagination. In each episode of our Strong Sense of Place podcast, we explore one destination and talk about what makes that place different from everywhere else. Then we recommend five books that took us to that place on the page. Every other week, we share The Library of Lost Time, a mini-pod that features two new books and our Distraction of the Week. We‘re on a trip around the globe, one great read at a time. Please join us!
Latest episodes

May 10, 2024 • 35min
The 2024 ‘Ask Us Anything’ Episode: In Which We Answer Audience Questions
We recently invited our audience to ask us anything, and we got excellent questions in return. The queries ran the gamut from ‘What literary theme park would you design?’ to ‘How do you hope people relate to your show?’ and ‘Are you still thinking about developing tours of bookshops in Europe?’In this mini-episode, we answer those questions and more — including what we do if we find a great book after a show has aired, what the inside of our podcast recording booth looks like, and whether or not Dave is really 6’5". And, due to popular demand, we deliver an update on our cat Smudge.LinksWe answered other popular questions in previous editions of ‘Ask Us Anything,’ including how we met, whether or not we really love everything we recommend, previous jobs, and more. 2020 Ask Us Anything2021 Ask Us AnythingTranscript of this episode.Do you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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May 3, 2024 • 9min
SSoP Podcast Season 6: Announcing 12 Fascinating Destinations
Season 6 of the Strong Sense of Place podcast starts 24 May!We’ve put together an itinerary of 12 thrilling destinations with a journey to every region of the globe. Pack your (virtual) bags for Europe, Asia, the Middle East, South America, and two great cities on opposite coasts of the United States. This time, we’re also heading to space (and two other super-fun themes). Get ready to explore customs, history, scenery, food, art, and more — all you need is your curiosity, an open heart, and a favorite spot to read. Click right here to see stunning photos of our Season 6 destinations.Transcript of this episode.The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Apr 26, 2024 • 12min
LoLT: The Magic of Music Discovery and Two New Books
In this episode, we get excited about two books: Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench & Brendan O’Hea and The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson. Then Dave recommends a website to find new-to-you music.Links
Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench & Brendan O’Hea
The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War by Erik Larson
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson
Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Erik Larson
Similar Songs Finder website
Transcript of this episode.The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Apr 19, 2024 • 14min
LoLT: Amy Tector’s Poetry Habit and Two New Books
In this episode, we get excited about two books: Honor the Dead by Amy Tector and Sociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne. Then, our special guest author, Amy Tector, shares how she starts her day with poems. LinksHonor the Dead: Dominion Archives Mystery #3 by Amy Tector by Amy TectorSociopath: A Memoir by Patric Gagne Honor the Dead: Dominion Archives Mystery #3 by Amy Tector by Amy TectorSociopath: A Memoir by Patric GagneAmy Tector’s websiteAmy Tector on Substack: Méli-MéloThe Foulest Things: Dominion Archives Mystery #1 by Amy TectorSpeak for the Dead: Dominion Archives Mystery #2 by Amy TectorThe Honeybee Emeralds by Amy TectorLouise Penny Transported Me Home When I Needed it Most — an essay by Amy TectorVideo: Murder and Mayhem in the Canadian Archive w/ Amy, Mel, and DaveTranscript of this episode.The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Apr 12, 2024 • 9min
LoLT: The Currywurst Story & Two New Books (replay)
In this episode, we get excited about two books: ‘Cold People’ by Tom Rob Smith and ‘Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life’ by Dacher Keltner. Then Mel shares the delicious history of Berlin’s currywurst.LinksCold People by Tom Rob SmithAwe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher KeltnerCurrywurst HistoryCurrywurst RecipeTop 20 Hangover FoodsHerta Heuwer Memorial PlaqueHerta Heuwer Google DoodleTranscript of this episodeThe Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Apr 5, 2024 • 17min
LoLT: Inspiring Brontë Stories and Two New Books
In this episode, we get excited about two books: How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin and Table for Two: Fictions by Amor Towles. Then Mel explains how much she’s loving the new Brontë Parsonage podcast. LinksHow to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen PerrinTable for Two: Fictions by Amor TowlesRules of Civility by Amor TowlesA Gentleman in Moscow by Amor TowlesThe Lincoln Highway by Amor TowlesPodcast: Russia: Revolution, Hope, and VodkaVideo: A Gentleman in Moscow trailerBrontë Parsonage websiteBehind the Glass: A Parsonage PodcastThe Guardian on Anne Brontë’s interest in geologyPhotos that take you inside the ParsonageVideo: Tour of the ParsonageRowan Coleman’s websiteThe Brontë Mysteries series by Bella EllisBella Ellis on InstagramTranscript of this episode.The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Mar 29, 2024 • 16min
LoLT: Immersive Theater and Two New Books
In this episode, we’re excited two new books: The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer Croft and Why We Remember: The Science of Memory and How It Shapes Us by Charan Ranganath. Then Dave shares his thrilling experience at Guys and Dolls in London.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/StrongSense and get on your way to being your best self.LinksThe Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer CroftFlights by Olga TokarczukExcerpt of The Extinction of Irena Rey by Jennifer CroftWhy Translators Should Be Named on Book Covers27 Great Books In TranslationWhy We Remember: The Science of Memory and How It Shapes Us by Charan RanganathNye at the National Theatre, LondonNational Theatre Tour infoSix, The Musical around the worldGuys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre, LondonCabaret at the Kit Kat Club, LondonTranscript of this episode.The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Mar 22, 2024 • 17min
LoLT: Rambutan Restaurant London and Two New Books
In this episode, we get excited about two books: The Morningside by Téa Obreht and James by Percival Everett. Then Mel tells us about an unforgettable Sri Lankan meal at Rambutan.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/StrongSense and get on your way to being your best self.LinksThe Morningside by Téa ObrehtThe Tiger’s Wife by Téa ObrehtTéa Obreht on How She Found The MorningsideExcerpt of The Morningside by Téa ObrehtJames by Percival EverettPodcast: Sri Lanka: Remarkable, Relentless, ResplendentRambutan: Recipes from Sri Lanka by Cynthia ShanmugalingamRambutan website and InstagramRecipes from Rambutan here and hereBorough Market websiteCubitts eyeglassesTranscript of this episode.The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Mar 15, 2024 • 9min
LoLT: The Forty Elephants Girl Gang and Two New Books — 05 May 2023
This is a replay of an episode featuring Dinner Party by Sarah Gilmartin and You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith. Then Dave tells the tale of remarkable women involved in London’s criminal underworld.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/StrongSense and get on your way to being your best self.LINKSDinner Party by Sarah GilmartinYou Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie SmithMaggie Smith’s website and TwitterLegal Design Podcast: Fighting Crime by Design with Lorraine GammanPodcast: London: The Tower, Tudors, and a Nice Cuppa TeaWikipedia: Shirley PittsWikipedia: Alice DiamondGone Shopping: The Story of Shirley Pitts, Queen of Thieves by Lorraine GammanThe Guardian: Girl Gang’s Grip on London Underworld RevealedCriminal Secret Society: The Story of Forty ElephantsVideo: Diamond Annie and the Forty Elephants — The All-Female Gang That Terrorized LondonAbbie Davis with her cover of 'London Town'Transcript of this episodeThe Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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Mar 8, 2024 • 11min
LoLT: Stanfords Travel Bookshop and Two New Books
In this episode, we’re excited about two new books: Piglet by Lottie Hazell and Local: A Search for Nearby Nature and Wildness by Alastair Humphreys. Then Dave tells us about the awesome Stanfords bookshop.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/StrongSense and get on your way to being your best self.LinksPiglet by Lottie Hazell — audiobookPiglet by Lottie Hazell — printLocal: A Search for Nearby Nature and Wildness by Alastair HumphreysStanfords Map and Travel BookshopEdward Stanford Travel Writing Awards 2024Wikipedia: Edward Stanford Travel Writing AwardsTranscript of this episode.The Library of Lost Time is a Strong Sense of Place Production! https://strongsenseofplace.comDo you enjoy our show? Want access to fun bonus content? Please support our work on Patreon. Every little bit helps us keep the show going and makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside - https://www.patreon.com/strongsenseofplaceAs always, you can find us at:
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